That wacky David Fester is at it again. Mr. Fester (you have to love that name) is general manager of Microsoft's digital media division, and he has come up with memorable quotes in the past. I've mentioned him before.

Mr. Fester seems to have made some statements in reaction to the Apple / H.P. iPod deal that I've already discussed way too much.

At CES, Mr. Fester suggested that iTunes' emerging dominance would be bad for consumers, because it would limit them to the iPod. He replayed this company line:

"Windows is about choice - you can mix and match software and music player stuff. We believe you should have the same choice when it comes to music services."

Yea, we've heard that before. Then Mr. Fester claimed that the HP deal would confuse its customers because the company supports several other Microsoft media products that are not compatible with the iPod, including its Windows Media Centre software.

So choice is good, as long as you chose WMA. Or as long as you don't chose AAC. Or you can choose whatever you like, as long as your choice sends some money Microsoft's way. Something like that.

Microsoft should require David Fester to hold hands with a PR person at all times.